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British rapper Dappy broke down in tears on Friday (15Feb13) as he narrowly avoided prison for his part in a brawl at a filling station last year (12).

The former N-Dubz star, real name Costadinos Contostavlos, reportedly prayed in the dock and shouted "Yes!" as he was handed a six-month suspended sentence at Guildford Crown Court in England.

He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of community service and pay $6,900 compensation and $3,000 in court costs.

The 25 year old was convicted of assault and affray last month (Jan13) after the court heard he sparked a fight at a gas station in Surrey, England in February last year (12).

He was warned he faced the possibility of prison, but he escaped with the suspended sentence after his lawyer Paul Greaney told the court a jail term would destroy the rapper's career.

The lawyer said, "It is inevitable now that he will not be able to visit or work in America. Furthermore, as a result of the convictions, certain important radio stations will not play his records. His earning capacity now is extremely limited and those responsible for his management believe a period of custody will bring his career to an end."

Passing sentence, Judge Neil Stewart told the star, "The report I have on you suggests you do not present overtly criminal attitudes and this offense has been a wake-up call for you."

Two associates of the rapper, who were also involved in the scuffle, were not so lucky - Kieran Vassell, 25, was jailed for 14 months for affray, and Alfred Miller, 28, got 19 months for the same offense.